☀️ Today’s Weather
Heavy drizzle today with a high of 88°F and a low of 71°F — 62% chance of rain, so keep that umbrella handy.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Johnson City passes a budget with a tax increase to build an aquatic center, and somehow the most controversial moment of the whole debate is whether to call it “aquatic center funding” or “Parks and Recreation capital improvements.” Same pool. Different vibes.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: If someone mentions disc golf, softball fields, a fishing pier, trails, and lake access all in one place, which Johnson City park are they probably talking about?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Johnson City Commission Approves Budget with Tax Increase and Aquatic Center Funding
The Johnson City Commission approved its budget on the third and final reading Thursday night with no changes since previous meetings. The budget includes a 28-cent property tax increase, with some of that money going to a new aquatic center. The approval, however, was not unanimous. The budget was approved 4-1, with some capital projects including a new aquatics center on the Memorial Park Community Center Campus. The budget will go into effect on July 1.
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Tennessee Releases 2025-2026 TCAP Results — Johnson City Schools Near the Top
The Tennessee Department of Education released its 2025-2026 TCAP results on Wednesday. Johnson City Schools again had the highest TCAP and standardized test scores among any Northeast Tennessee school system, and it really wasn’t that close. District-level results can be viewed on the TDOE’s website under the “State Assessments” tab.
Local Girl Completes Cancer Treatment After Diagnosis at Age Two
A local Johnson City-area girl has recently completed her cancer treatment after being diagnosed with the disease at just two years old. The story is drawing attention and community support across the region. Visit the link below for the full story.
Good Samaritan Ministries Holds Food Distribution Event
Good Samaritan Ministries recently held a community food distribution event in the area, continuing its mission to serve those in need across the Johnson City region. For details on upcoming distributions and how to get involved, visit the link below.
TEDxJohnsonCity’s Annual Return Draws Bigger Crowd and Wider Topics
TEDxJohnsonCity recently held its annual event, bringing together speakers and attendees for a variety of presentations. According to reports, this year’s gathering drew a bigger crowd than previous years and covered a broader range of topics. The event was held at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📅 Upcoming Events
Pepsi Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks — Freedom Hall
The schedule of events includes: 1:00–3:00 PM — Little Miss Pepsi Firecracker Pageant (offsite at the Langston Center); 3:00 PM — Food Trucks Open; 4:00 PM — Kids Activities and Touch-A-Truck Opens. For more information, call Parks & Recreation at 423-283-5815. No through vehicle traffic will be allowed at the Science Hill Vocational School. The main event of the night will be the pyro musical experience “Declaration In The Sky,” presented by Pyro Nova, Inc., featuring fireworks, a light show, and video storytelling. The event takes place on Friday, July 4, 2026, at Freedom Hall in Johnson City.
Read more at johnsoncitytn.org
Fridays After 5 — Free Summer Concert Series
Downtown Johnson City’s Main Street Program hosts its Fridays After 5 free summer concert series, offering free family-friendly live music for residents and visitors. The series is held in King Commons, 112 N. Commerce St., Friday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in June and July. Concerts continue every Friday through July. For more information, visit downtownjctn.com or follow the Main Street Facebook account at DowntownJohnsonCity.
Read more at johnsoncitytn.org
DR. ENUF Presents Brand New Box of Matches
A “DR. ENUF presents Brand New Box of Matches” event is scheduled for July 23, 2026, in Johnson City. Visit the Johnson City Convention & Visitor Bureau events page for additional details and ticketing information.
Read more at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
YP’s Got Talent!
YP’s Got Talent! is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, at 5:30 PM at 324 E Main St, Johnson City. Visit Eventbrite for tickets and additional event details.
Business After Hours at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards
The Johnson City Chamber hosts Business After Hours with Nicewonder Farm and Vineyards on Friday, July 10, from 4–6 p.m. Enjoy networking and light refreshments provided by the Nicewonder team, and all guests will receive one complimentary drink ticket to try a glass of their locally grown and produced wines. Registration is required — submit the form at johnsoncitytnchamber.com/nicewonder-after-hours. Note: this event is listed as sold out.
Read more at johnsoncitytnchamber.com
Johnson City Jaunt Scavenger Hunt
The Johnson City Jaunt is an ongoing self-guided scavenger hunt experience in Johnson City, TN. Participants can join at any time. Visit Eventbrite for ticketing and full details on how to participate.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Winged Deer Park, which packs an unusually wide range of recreational options into one location on the shores of Boone Lake.